◇ Orix Buffaloes vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Game 8 (27th, Hotto Motto Field Kobe)

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Itsuki Murabayashi player, Ryuya Taira The team took an early lead with a timely hit from one of the players, scoring two runs.

In the top of the 6th inning, with both teams scoreless and two outs... McCusker player, Fumiya Kurokawa The players hit consecutive singles to create a scoring opportunity with runners on first and second base. Murabayashi then hit the first pitch to center fielder, scoring the first run. Taira followed with a timely hit to right field off breaking ball on a 1-1 count. The team had been struggling, managing only three hit through five innings. Espinosa pitcher gave them a 2-0 lead in the middle innings.

◇Comment from Murabayashi
"I took a shot. Kishi-san was working incredibly hard, so I'm glad we were able to score the first goal."

◇Comment from Taira
"I think it was two seam fastball. I decided to go for it when the ball came into the strike zone, and I'm glad it worked out well."

Written by Aoi Nishijima